Merriam Webster estimates that there are around 1 million words in the English language and the director of the Dutch institute of Lexicality estimates more than 5 million words are used in Dutch.

That kind of supports our former secretary's assertion. She had a stack of 4 Dutch dictionaries that were each about the size of an unabridged dictionary of the English language.

Now, back to futbal...

Does anyone know how the officials and the players from so many different countries with so many different languages communicate? Is it all by signals?

Tom

Not sure about that Tom, the last printed edition of the Oxford English Dictionary was 20 volumes long, containing 22000 pages, took up four feet of shelf space and weighed about 150 lbs!

Usually, the referee and linesmen are from the same country. For example, on Thursday, the match between England and Uruguay is to be refereed by a Spaniard and his two linesmen are also Spanish. You can bet they speak good English as well as Spanish (obviously), so as to be able to communicate to the English players and the Uruguayans.

If the language is less well-spoken English is used as the lingua franca.

Merriam Webster estimates that there are around 1 million words in the English language and the director of the Dutch institute of Lexicality estimates more than 5 million words are used in Dutch.

The 75.000 vs 25.000 number was what my old english teacher told us in class. Seems it's a bit off. Merriam Webster estimates 1.000.000 for english, the Dutch equivalent De Dikke Van Dale has 240.000 words. No way Dutch has 5 million words. English has 500+ million contributers, Dutch only 25 million. And English doesn't change over time. Anybody who knows English can still read Shakespeare from 400 years ago. You don't have to try that with Dutch, it's a completely different language.

Does anyone know how the officials and the players from so many different countries with so many different languages communicate? Is it all by signals?

Lots of communication is done in English. Football is a very international community, with players from all countries playing for clubs in other countries. The top clubs scout their players all over the world. A common interface is needed and English fits the bill just fine.

But in the field, there's actually not much talking needed. The most important signal is the referee's whistle. All the players have their eyes on the ball, so when the whistle goes, they mostly know what it's about. If they want to be sure, they look at the referee and he signals with his hand who gets the free kick. Two line referee's also signal with their flags. Once you know the (simpe) rules, it's easy to understand what's going on.

Only time when talking plays a role in the game is when players want to protest a decision of the referee. Which, of course, is pointless anyway.

As a ex USSf ref I did not have the language problem, however, most fouls are indicated by hand signals. Holding by a hand-grip motion, off-sides by a waving back and forth with the elbow locked, high boot by vertical hand rise and so forth. Technically refs are not required to explain calls but are taught to signal to reduce confusion...that being said it does not elimination controversy or second guessing by everyone from players to coaches to spectators. Referees are taught to try and be in the best position to see play but that implies crystal ball foresight... good luck!

My German Landlord's son is a FIFA referee....and can't speak a word of English. That being said, he communicates with the language of flags!

You know... if the USA somehow performed a miracle and won the World Cup, soccer would become the fastest growing sport in the States!

Right now, it's Curling!

Cheers,

Frank

Frank

I would have to respectfully disagree that soccer would become the fastest growing sport. Until we produce a bonafide star like Messi or Neymar or Rinaldo, that soccer will lag behind the other sports. The MLS has seen attendance growth, but until they are financially on another level the rapid ascension of the sport won't happen. Case in point, the MLS just signed a new $90 million dollar TV deal, the last NFL deal was $23 Billion and the new NBA deal will be multiple billions.

When I pick my son up from school, all I see is foreign jerseys, and asking some kids who they want to win the World Cup, I don't think I have got a US vote yet.

I coached soccer for years and when the kids get to 13 or 14 years old, they migrate to football or baseball the sports in America that pay big dollars to the stars. That is just the way it is in this country, I have lost my most athletic stars after winning the California and Western States Championships in soccer to the more glorious sports.

I coached soccer for years and when the kids get to 13 or 14 years old, they migrate to football or baseball the sports in America that pay big dollars to the stars. That is just the way it is in this country, I have lost my most athletic stars after winning the California and Western States Championships in soccer to the more glorious sports.

Jack

Jack, I couldn't agree more. The MLS just doesn't pay atheletes, unless you were a star in Europe on the back end of a career. David Beckham? I was watching the Portugal-Germany game and they mentioned that Rinaldo is paid $30 million a year, and if his club buys his contract out, he would get a ridiculous amount of money, they said close to a Billion (not sure if that is accurate). The highest paid player in MLS is making $4.35 million, and the league minimum is $35K. Baseball, Basketball, Football and hockey all make significantly more money at the league minimum.

Another factor is that international players in baseball, basketball and hockey want to come here to play, but with soccer you have to go to Europe or other places to compete against the best.

OK... gotta disagree with y'all! Please visit the following link. Your numbers are Waaaayyyyy out of line!

A boon in soccer in the USA would follow other sports that have taken the limelight elsewhere to become big hits here. Soccer would follow if Americans thought they had a chance against the world. My 2 cents.

Phew, that was a tough match! The Ozzies simply won't quit, kept on fighting till the end. But it did make the game very intense and enjoyable to watch. Glad we still came out on top, but it very well could have been different.

Still the outcome was to be expected, we are in essence using the Cup to build up an inexperienced young side for the next one.

Congratulations Netherlands.

Logged

If you don't like Signatures, just go to Look and Layout and tick No Signatures.

“The test of the machine is the satisfaction it gives you. There isn't any other test. If the machine produces tranquility it's right. If it disturbs you it's wrong until either the machine or your mind is changed.” ― Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values

OK... gotta disagree with y'all! Please visit the following link. Your numbers are Waaaayyyyy out of line!

A boon in soccer in the USA would follow other sports that have taken the limelight elsewhere to become big hits here. Soccer would follow if Americans thought they had a chance against the world. My 2 cents.

I looked at the link, and I didn't see any Americans in that Forbes article. I even mentioned in my first post my numbers may not be accurate, that was what the commentator mentioned during the Germany vs. Portugal game. The MLS isn't paying that money to players, I am not talking endorsements. The highest paid MLS player is Thierry Henry at $4.35 million, didn't he make his name in Europe, just like Beckham? With what players are making in the MLS the best will still go to Europe, better pay and they actually care about the sport. Just my opinion.

OK... gotta disagree with y'all! Please visit the following link. Your numbers are Waaaayyyyy out of line!

A boon in soccer in the USA would follow other sports that have taken the limelight elsewhere to become big hits here. Soccer would follow if Americans thought they had a chance against the world. My 2 cents.

The USSA is trying their best to promote soccer (football) in America but the dollars just don't add up. The number of sports already established in the USA is staggering with golf paying the winner over 1million dollars every week. Heck, minor league baseball pays more than most MLS players with the exception of the (over the hill named players from abroad). It will be a long time if ever if the culture in the USA accepts Soccer as a main stream sport. Sad, but true

I don't dispute that watching soccer in the USA has grown greatly over the past 40 years but, that doesn't motivate the young athlete who turns from soccer to baseball (or other sports) at the age of 10 - 12 years old. As a top tier soccer coach years back, it was so sad to lose your best players to the more popular (and highest paying) sports.